Parks & Trails Master Plan: Implementation

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See how the Parks & Trails Master Plan is taking shape as the plan is put into action and enhancement to our parks and trails take shape.

Described as “where the rainforest meets the sea”, Sooke’s natural surroundings define its character. The Sooke Basin, Sooke Harbour and Sooke River are the defining geographic features, as are the Sooke Hills and surrounding mountainous areas, which provide recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Sooke residents are passionate about the nature around them and their unique abilities to experience rainforest and ocean settings.

The purpose of the Parks and Trails Master Plan (PTMP)

See how the Parks & Trails Master Plan is taking shape as the plan is put into action and enhancement to our parks and trails take shape.

Described as “where the rainforest meets the sea”, Sooke’s natural surroundings define its character. The Sooke Basin, Sooke Harbour and Sooke River are the defining geographic features, as are the Sooke Hills and surrounding mountainous areas, which provide recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Sooke residents are passionate about the nature around them and their unique abilities to experience rainforest and ocean settings.

The purpose of the Parks and Trails Master Plan (PTMP) is to guide the planning, land acquisition, capital development and operations of parks and trails in Sooke. It provides a vision for parks and trails, goals for achieving the vision, and a series of short, medium and long-term actions for acquiring and improving parks and trails in Sooke. The PTMP was prepared in conjunction with the District’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), considering Sooke’s 2009 PTMP, and within the context of current strategic documents.

  • Province Announces $1 Million Investment in Active Transportation for Sooke

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    The District is sharing this announcement from the Province of British Columbia:

    B.C. builds cleaner communities with active transportation

    People will have more opportunities to enjoy multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges and safety improvements as local, regional and Indigenous governments expand their active transportation infrastructure.

    For this intake period, $24 million from the Province will support 80 active transportation infrastructure projects in communities around British Columbia. These grants will help local governments plan and build improved connections to work, school and recreational centres, and create infrastructure in communities to support active modes of transportation.

    “People are choosing to walk, run and cycle more each year. Our support means communities can think bigger when tackling transportation challenges and providing more options for people to get around,” said Dan Coulter, B.C. Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit, at an event for two projects in the Vancouver Island community of Sooke.

    In Sooke, new projects to build safe, inclusive active transportation connections will give people of all ages healthier and more convenient ways to explore their community. The completion of the Little River Multi-Use Trail will establish a vital link between the Sun River Neighbourhood and Ravens Ridge Park, connecting with Sooke’s town core.

    Along Charters Road, safety improvements are being built for cyclists and pedestrians. This project will include extended sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian crossing infrastructure and a boulevard enhancement.

    “I am thrilled and grateful to see the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program bolstering our community's efforts toward a more sustainable and accessible future,” said Maja Tait, mayor of Sooke. “With projects like the Little River Multi-Use Trail and enhancements along Charters Road, we’re improving safety and also fostering a healthier, more connected and resilient community.”

    The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program funds Indigenous, local and regional governments with cost-sharing investments of as much as $500,000 for infrastructure projects, and as much as $50,000 to develop active transportation network plans.

    “People in Sooke and across our province are witnessing real, tangible enhancements in their neighbourhoods,” said Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “Promoting active transportation isn't just about roads and paths, it's about fostering safer, healthier and more convenient lifestyles for all. By investing in bike lanes, sidewalks, safe routes to schools and trail networks now, we're laying the foundation for a safer, more interconnected future that benefits everyone.”

    The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program supports the Province’s CleanBC commitment to increase shares of trips by walking, cycling and transit.

    Learn More:

    B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/active-transportation-infrastructure-grants

    Full announcement, including backgrounder:

    B.C. builds cleaner communities with active transportation | BC Gov News

  • Federal government supports active transportation infrastructure upgrades in Sooke

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    The District is thrilled to share this news from the Government of Canada on the District's successful Infrastructure Canada Grant Application and the resulting $1.3 million in funding towards the Little River Crossing multi-use pedestrian trails project.

    The Government of Canada and the District of Sooke are investing more than $2.1 million to upgrade and expand the Little River pedestrian crossing and existing multi-use trail system.

    Announced by Minister Sean Fraser and Mayor Maja Tait, the project will help residents stay active while getting around their community, while better connecting neighbourhoods in the community to the city centre and nearby schools.

    The upgrades and expansion entail conducting grade improvements to 180 metres of the current pedestrian trail on the eastern side of DeMamiel Creek – known as "Little River" by the T’Sou-Ke Nation – as well as creating a new trail on the western side. The project will also build a new pedestrian bridge with a viewing platform spanning the creek.

    This investment is part of Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy, which aims to create and improve pathways, bike lanes, and pedestrian bridges all over the country. It’s a big step towards healthier living and creating closer communities, making a better-connected Canada for us all.

    Quotes

    “Canada is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural history. We’re proud to support projects that honour that while better connecting our communities. Improving the trail network surrounding DeMamiel Creek will help Sooke residents and visitors alike get around safely and enjoy all that the area has to offer. We will continue to invest in active transportation infrastructure improvements across the country that make life better for Canadians.”

    The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “This project will facilitate instrumental connectivity in our community. It will offer safe and efficient travel over Little River (Demamiel Creek) drastically improving residents’ ability to reach desired destinations including schools, local businesses and recreation amenities. I extend my appreciation to the federal government for this significant investment that is certain to have a profound impact on how citizens get around town – alleviating the need for vehicle travel in a core area of Sooke.”

    Her Worship, Maja Tait, Mayor of the District of Sooke

    Quick facts

    • The federal government is investing $1,307,610 in this project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), and the District of Sooke is contributing $871,740.
    • Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity, and includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.
    • The federal government is investing billions of dollars to provide predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit solutions beginning in 2026-27. This investment includes $400 million through the Active Transportation Fund over five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable.
    • The National Active Transportation Strategy is the country's first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks and to create safe environments for more equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options to thrive.
    • The Active Transportation Fund complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan, the federal government has committed to providing permanent federal to encourage cleaner modes of transportation, such as low and zero-emission vehicles, transit and active transportation in every community.
    • Active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, such as creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, providing affordable transportation options, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in safer active transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can access jobs and services and connect with their communities.

    Associated links

  • Council Supports District's Provincial Active Transportation Corridor Grant Applications

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    At the November 27, 2023 Council meeting, Council supported staff's recommendation to submit two grant applications for critical active transportation corridors including Little River Multi-Use Trails (Demamiel Creek Bridge) Crossing and Charters Corridor South.

    The applications are considered for "shovel-ready" projects with an award anticipated in Spring 2024. If successful, the District could receive up to $1 million towards both of these initiatives which will improve pedestrian connectivity in Sooke.

  • Little River Crossing Final Design Contract Awarded

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    The District of Sooke has applied for grant funding for this project from the Government of Canada's Active Transportation Fund. If successful, this funding will support up to 60 percent of the total eligible costs to a maximum federal contribution of $1,307,610. The balance has been allocated in the 2023-24 financial plan in the amount of $1,022,390 for a total project cost of $2,330,000.

    On March 17, 2023, at 3:00 pm the District of Sooke closed the Engineering Services and Project Management RFP for Little River Pedestrian Crossing. This request for proposals (RFP) was issued to evaluate prospective firms with demonstrated capacity to assemble a team of professionals to complete the final design of the multi-use trail, boardwalks, and pedestrian bridge, prepare tender documents and project manage the construction of the project.

    ISL Engineering Ltd. was the successful Little River Crossing RFP proponent and will work to bring the project to final design in hopes of a favourable grant outcome. Alternatively, further funding arrangements will be explored to allow for a timely realization of this high-priority community project.

  • Update: Sooke Potholes Gateway Enhancements

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    The District of Sooke received a grant for $358,000 to revitalize the Sooke Potholes (Lot 1 - Sooke Potholes Gateway) by widening two staircases that access the beaches from the parking lot, constructing two accessible pit toilets, adding wayfinding and visitor information, and refurbishing the parking lot which will provide accessible stalls and additional capacity for parking and social distancing. In June, the District awarded the engineering services contract to McElhanney to provide construction-ready design, project management and construction services for the project.

    Staff are currently reviewing the final design drawings in preparation for tendering later this month.

    Current timelines will work towards project completion by the May-long weekend. However, supply chain issues could impact this schedule.

  • Update: Long Spit (Whiffin Spit) Master Plan

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    We are planning for the future of Long Spit (Whiffin Spit) Park in the face of climate change, sea level rise and increases in park use.

    In September, the District awarded a contract to KWL to analyze existing data available for predicted sea level rise and shoreline-specific conditions to provide short-term and long-term options to retain the environmental, recreational, and cultural values of Long Spit (the Spit). Through this project, we will also analyze the park and adjacent streets to determine if there is an opportunity to improve parking.

    The consultants will provide near-term and long-term solutions for the Spit. In the near-term, they will analyze the existing data and provide a report on pros and cons of establishing the natural channel and providing options to retain pedestrian/vehicular access to the end of the Spit. Green shores design principles will be used where practical. On the long-term, the consultants will provide a report on the impacts of sea level rise and increase resiliency to storm action using green shores design principles

    The consultants will also provide an analysis of the road rights of way within 500 m of the park to create 24 off-site parking spots thus increasing available parking by 50%. Conceptual design drawings with class D estimates for offsite parking may include reconfiguring the existing parking lot. Specific timelines for this phase of the project are not currently available.

    We will continue to keep you informed on this project as new information becomes available.



  • Long Spit (Whiffin Spit) Master Plan

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    The District posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) pertaining to Long Spit (Whiffin Spit) Master Plan development in June 2022 with a closing date of July 6, 2022. The purpose of the RFP is to engage a suitably qualified Professional Engineer to analyze existing data available for predicted sea level rise and shoreline-specific conditions to provide short-term and long-term options to retain the environmental, recreational, and cultural values of Long Spit (the Spit).

    At this time, the District envisions an elevated walkway for a portion of the Spit which is most susceptible to erosion, green shores design elements to mitigate storm surges and winter wave action which affect on both the Spit’s structure and the inner harbour, and a plan to increase parking.

  • Updates to Development Cost Charges Bylaw Provides New Funding Sources for Parks Projects

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    The latest updates to the Development Costs Charges (DCCs)provide a new funding source for several parks projects.

    Since February 2021, the District has undertaken a review of DCCs. DCCs are fees collected from land developers, on a user-pay basis, to help fund the cost of the new infrastructure and parks needed to service new development. DCCs help ensure developers pay their fair share of the costs required to develop new infrastructure and park improvements. With the adoption of an updated bylaw, DCC Bylaw No. 755, 2021, park projects eligible for funding through DCCs include:

    • Town Centre Park Acquisition;
    • Whiffin Spit Master Plan;
    • New Town Centre Park Master Plan;
    • New Trail Access at Seabroom Road;
    • Demamiel Creek/Little River Crossing; and
    • Various trailhead improvements.

    Learn more about DCC's >>

  • Join us for the Grand Opening of the Community Sport Box in Sooke on June 26, 2022!

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    The community sport box, located at 2430 Phillips Road, will open this Sunday, June 26th and a grand opening celebration will kick things off. The festivities will include:

    • 4:15 p.m. – Blessing from T’Sou-ke Elder, remarks and ribbon cutting with special guests;
    • 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Free hot dogs and cupcakes;
    • 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Draw Prizes;
    • 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Games and activities with SEAPARC Recreation Program Leaders;
    • 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – (mini) lacrosse game featuring Juan de Fuca Whalers U13 Players; and
    • 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – (mini) ball hockey game featuring U9 Sooke Minor Hockey Association Players.

    Those attending are encouraged to walk, bike and carpool to the event. Accessible parking and forty parking stalls are available in the temporary parking lot, accessed by the marked laneway off Phillips Road.

    The facility will be operated by SEAPARC. Please contact SEAPARC for rental and program information:

    This project was made possible thanks to our funding partners:

    • Province of British Columbia $892,778 Canada Infrastructure Community, Culture and Recreation Program Grant; and
    • $400,00 contribution from the District of Sooke Amenity Reserve Fund, established with a contribution from Sunriver Estates.
  • Update: Major Milestone Met on Community Multi-use Sports Box Project

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    After several weather delays, the floor for the community multi-use sports box in Sunriver has been poured!

    Crews will soon start installing the rink boards as they work towards a May 2022 soft opening with a grand opening event in June 2022.

Page last updated: 25 Mar 2024, 11:12 AM